In January 2011, when I first whispered, "I declare 2011 to be the year of ME," I really had no idea where that statement would lead. But with great help from SparkPeople (the focus on the whole person, the support of Spark Friends, and the many tools), the weight I had resigned myself to taking to my (probably early) grave is gone.

As a first step, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds, just to see if I could actually pull it off. Focused effort has paid off in ways I never dreamed ...

In January 2011, when I first whispered, "I declare 2011 to be the year of ME," I really had no idea where that statement would lead. But with great help from SparkPeople (the focus on the whole person, the support of Spark Friends, and the many tools), the weight I had resigned myself to taking to my (probably early) grave is gone.

As a first step, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds, just to see if I could actually pull it off. Focused effort has paid off in ways I never dreamed possible. Those 50 pounds went away, so I set new goals that will result in 75 pounds gone when I'm done remaking myself. I closed out 2011 on December 31 at 154 pounds and a BMI of 24.9! That put me 9 pounds from my goal and in the healthy BMI range for the first time in over 2 decades.

As a plus, DH suggested we train together to run a 5K in the Spring. I so looked forward to that, even with my arthritic knees. Unfortunately, DH developed hip trouble that kept him from training, so when the day came, he jogged partway with me and walked the rest.

That race seemed to help nudge me out of a fitness slump so I could continue toward my goal. On May 19, I declared victory on the weight-loss front. As I approached that goal line, I realized I'd better have an outlet for my energy and determination, or I would get hit with the letdown that comes after accomplishing a hard-fought battle. So I've tackled decluttering my house as a follow-on and am using techniques I learned (or relearned) at SP to make headway.

December, 2012 update: I hit my six-month maintenance goal a few weeks ago and rejoiced that I have never maintained a weight loss for six months in my decades-long yo-yo history. I set a December goal to exercise each day in some way, stay within my calorie range daily, and track food and fitness each day.

Glad to see you again. Thanks for reading my blog. Paying a trainer would keep me on program too. I have gotten some tips from a woman at the gym who I call "bench press lady." She's very petite and can benchpress 80 lbs which must be close to her weight. Very inspiring.